Where to stay in Beijing

Exploring Beijing

The ancient Chinese viewed their kingdom as the centre of the world, with their sophisticated society and culture once considered the centre of civilization by many. They referred to the vast stretch of their land as Zhongguo, meaning ‘Middle Kingdom’. The focal point of that world was then and is now Beijing, the Chinese capital. Today, Beijing remains China’s political, administrative, and cultural centre.

The cultural legacy of the ancient Chinese can still be seen in the many grandiose palaces and temples of Beijing, perhaps no more so than in the Forbidden City, located unsurprisingly in the centre of the city. Beside its ancient sights and neighbourhoods, Beijing is at the forefront of a new China, with construction occurring at a mad pace. The city is home to some of the best-known marvels of modern architecture.

Accommodations in Beijing

There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Beijing is the Beijing Downtown Travelotel, which has been booked 7 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended Peking Garden Hotel in Beijing as it has been reserved 7 times.

Sightseeing in Beijing

Beijing will occupy any visitor’s itinerary for days with its sheer number of ancient and modern sights, some of which span vast areas. Visitors should find it easy to fill up their schedules with all kinds of interesting outings.

The first stop for any visitor to Beijing is naturally the most prominent of its sights, the Forbidden City, so named because the palace was once home to China’s emperors and was therefore off-limits to commoners under pain of death. Today, commoners and tourists alike can visit the Forbidden City to behold gate after gate and courtyard after courtyard of one of the best-preserved ancient palaces the world has ever seen. Easy access to this well-known landmark can be had for those staying at Hotel Kapok Beijing or Jade Garden Hotel Beijing.

While not as ancient as the palace fronting it, Tiananmen Square is historic in itself. This square, comparable in size to 60 football fields, was the site of the 1989 protests which tragically ended in the death of hundreds of civilians following the government’s declaration of martial law. Today, visitors and locals alike stroll through Tiananmen Square to take in some of its surrounding sites, including the Revolutionary History Museum and the Great Hall of the People.

Transportation in Beijing

The capital of one of the fastest developing world powers is accessible through many transportation options. Beijing Capital International Airport has three terminals which receive flights from all over China and from practically every continent of the world. Beijing also has a number of railway stations which are connected to many corners of the country. To get around the Chinese capital, visitors can use the Beijing subway. The network has over 16 lines, including the Airport Express line, which cover virtually all areas of the capital.